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Hip! Hip! Hooray! The HIP District will celebrate “Old School Laguna” from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 30.

“Old School Laguna” will be a one-day event in which the stores and restaurants in the HIP District will participate, with the blessings of the Laguna Beach Planning Commission and city staff.

The HIP District – which stands for Historic and Interesting Places – includes the shops and restaurants from Thalia Street to Bluebird Canyon Drive that formed a coalition to advertise and promote the area.

“The idea is to showcase each store’s story about Laguna,” said Susan Elliott, owner of Twig, who applied for the TUP on behalf of the 27 participating establishments. “It will be our version of Hospitality Night. We want people to share this fun part of town.”

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Submitted photo

Michael Minutoli a.k.a. The Greeter at his regular spot in the HIP District

Posters announcing the event are expected to be displayed starting Friday on the fences of the Old Pottery Place and Kiska Boutique, at the Art Center patio, at Twig’s parking lot and on shops. Posters will be given to folks at the event.

The application submitted by Elliott requested a temporary use permit for the event this year. However, Commissioner Anne Johnson recollected that a three-year TUP had been discussed at an Open for Business meeting and recommended tacking on the additional years to Elliott’s application, to which a unanimous commission and staff agreed.

Staff opined that the event advances the goals, policies and objectives of the land use element of the city’s General Plan and the recently adopted Economic Development Action Plan.

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Submitted photo

The HIP District will be especially happening on March 30

“Old School Laguna” will feature live music – a guitarist/singer, a duo or a band at five venues: Sound Spectrum from noon to 2 p.m., Kiska from 1 to 3 p.m., the Art Center from 2 to 4 p.m., Twig from 4 to 6 p.m. and The Old Pottery Place, which will feature the legendary Laguna Beach band HONK from 3 to 5 p.m., according to Elliott.

Stores will play music on turntables.

Event venues will display historic photographs, memorabilia, throwback merchandise such as surf-style clothing and special sales.

Sales tables will be set up outdoors (assuming no rain) on private property.

The Chocolate Soldier will bring back “Grand Slams,” S’mores on steroids.

“Old School Laguna” participants will be identified by the display of a clutch of purple balloons.

Elliott said she has been working on the event for a year and looks forward to introducing the HIP District to residents who may not yet patronize or even know what the district offers, and to tourists.

“This will be a fun event celebrating the vibe of ‘Old School’ Laguna Beach and especially the history of the HIP District,” said Elliott.

Larry Nokes to speak at Thursday’s Laguna Beach Business Club meeting

The Laguna Beach Business Club presents trial lawyer Larry Nokes of Laguna Beach-based law firm Nokes & Quinn as speaker for the club’s meeting this Thursday, March 21.

Nokes will speak to the Laguna Beach Business Club about the Historic Preservation Ordinance Revision issues relating to plan processing and design review.

Nokes’ litigation practice focuses on matters relating to real estate, including land use, building defect, design and construction issues, land subsidence, eminent domain, and inverse condemnation, real estate broker and agent errors and omissions, and general commercial and personal injury litigation, including defamation.

He appears in all California State and Federal Courts. Mr. Nokes enjoys the coveted AV Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and has been recognized for inclusion by Super Lawyers in its publication. Mr. Nokes has been a featured speaker in seminars hosted by the Society of Professional Engineers on issues concerning design and construction defects.

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Submitted photo

Larry Nokes of law firm Nokes & Quinn in Laguna Beach

Dedicated to his community, Mr. Nokes was the chair of Laguna Beach’s View Preservation Ordinance Drafting Committee, completing one of the most successful pieces of legislation the City has produced; he is past president of the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce and remains a proud member; and he’s currently involved in working with the City to recognize what he firmly believes is the oppressive application of the existing historic preservation rules.

The club holds a breakfast meeting the third Thursday each month at 7:30 a.m. and hosts speakers that discuss topics valuable to achieving success in your personal and professional lives.

For the first year ever, California’s 48th Congressional district will host the Congressional Institute’s Art Competition. The office of Representative Harley Rouda encourages high school students to submit artwork via their school’s art programs.

Said Rouda, “Our district, particularly my hometown of Laguna Beach, is known for its rich artistic history. My wife Kaira and I can’t wait to see artwork from the next generation of creators continuing California 48th’s talented legacy. We look forward to proudly displaying the winning painting in the halls of the United States Capitol.”’

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Courtesy of Instagram

Harley Rouda with wife Kaira Rouda

The Artistic Discovery Contest is open to all high school students in our district. The winning artwork of our district’s competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol.

The exhibit in Washington will include the winning artwork from all participating districts from around the country. The winning artwork will also be featured on the House’s Congressional Art Competition page here.

Laguna Art Museum will feature the Oscar-winning La La Land as part of its Film Night series on Thursday, March 21, at 6 p.m. The romantic musical stars Ryan Gosling as a jazz pianist and Emma Stone as an aspiring actress, who meet and fall in love in Los Angeles while pursuing their dreams.

La La Land is a 2016 American romantic music film written and directed by Damien Chazelle. The film was critically praised, particularly for Chazelle’s screenplay and direction, Gosling and Stone’s performances, musical score, musical numbers, cinematography, and production design.

La La Land won a record-breaking seven awards from its seven nominations at the 74th Golden Globes. It also received a record-tying 14 nominations at the 89th Annual Academy Awards, winning in six categories including best actress and director.

It’s time for snakes to start emerging from their winter brumation! Visit the Nix Nature Center to see live snakes that, if you are lucky and observant, you might find out on the trail! Steve Bledsoe of Southwestern Field Herping Association will be available to share his knowledge about local reptiles. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center. If parking is full, enjoy a one-mile hike from the Dilley Preserve Staging Area. Online reservations required. For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon-Fri or (949) 923-2235 Sat/Sun. Parking: $3 per vehicle.

Bird Walk

Sun, March 24

8 – 11 a.m.

Spot native resident birds with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this 2-mile hike over uneven terrain (up to 200-ft. elevation gain) through one of the most diverse plant communities in the United States. No experience necessary! For ages 12 and up. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve. For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon-Fri or 949-923-2235 Sat/Sun. Parking: $3 per vehicle.

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Aliso and Wood Canyons

Wilderness Park

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Discovery Hike

Wed, March 27

8:30 – 11 a.m.

Explore beautiful Wood Canyon and discover its native flora and fauna with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this steep, uneven and rocky 5-mile hike (depending on trail choice, up to a 500-ft. elevation gain). While the group will stop from time to time, spending moments to “discover,” this hike isn’t for beginners. Please wear closed-toe hiking shoes and sun protection, and bring plenty of water. Meet at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area. Park legally (note street signs) on or near Canyon Vistas, preferably between Coastal Oak and Madia (22144 region of Canyon Vistas). The group will meet on the paved sidewalk easement leading toward Wood Canyon Trail. For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon-Fri or (949) 923-2200 Sat/Sun. Parking: Free.

Laguna Beach Garden Club hosts annual Garden Tour May 3

On Friday, May 3, the Laguna Beach Garden Club (LBGC) will host its annual Laguna Beach Gate & Garden Tour, a major fundraiser for educational school gardens, local scholarships, and community projects. This year’s docent-led walking tour from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. will visit breathtaking gardens in a stunning private gated community and adjacent neighborhood.

The festive event will offer for sale artisanal margaritas and Mexican fare, free refreshments, plein air painters in several gardens, and a raffle of prizes from local artists and businesses. The festivities at Arabella will continue until 4 p.m.

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Save the date for the annual Laguna Beach Gate & Garden Tour

LBGC is proud to partner with event sponsors Tequila Corcel, the Laguna Beach Water District, and the Katz family for this fun-filled event. The tour will begin and end at beautiful Arabella Laguna Historic Cottages. Buses will continuously shuttle tour goers from Arabella Laguna to the first garden and back at the end of the walking route. To make the last tour of the day, you must arrive at Arabella by 12:30 p.m.

There are a limited number of tickets this year due to the exclusive location of the tour. Tickets will sell out quickly, so buy in advance.

Susi Q Center of Laguna Beach invites community members of all ages to join a fun-filled Ping-Pong club at the center. Meeting days are on Monday and Wednesday afternoons during March from 12:30 - 4 p.m., Fridays from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m., and Saturday at varying times.

Table tennis is a fun sport for all ages. It takes eye-hand coordination, quick decision-making and execution. Not only is it great for the brain, it provides a fun reason to get moving.

If you love hiking, lace up those boots. The backcountry and wilderness areas offer you 18 miles of hiking trails through 2,400 acres of native wilderness, mostly the endangered coastal sage scrub plant community. For energetic backpackers, there are three environmental campgrounds, one in the canyon and two at the higher elevations. The higher trails offer beautiful vistas of the mountainous backcountry, geological formations and the Pacific Ocean. Exploring the lower trails offers hiking through riparian woodlands with oak and sycamore trees along the seasonal Moro Creek. Whether you trek the high or low trails or both, you will see native plants and animals that call this park home.

Sea Glass Jewelry Activity

Wed, March 20

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Enjoy a free sea glass jewelry making activity and learn how to turn sea glass into a one of a kind creation each Wednesday in the Education Commons in the Historic District at Crystal Cove State Park. Park in the Los Trancos lot (PCH inland at Los Trancos stoplight then walk across the street or take the shuttle). Day-use fee: $5/per hour (max. $15).

Beachside Chat

Sat, March 23

Noon – 3 p.m.

Stop by Ranger Alex’s Beachside Chat table and learn about some of the fun and interesting animals that live at Crystal Cove State Park. Find Alex and her bounty of nature props near the Historic District Education Commons by the Beachcomber Cafe. Park in the Los Trancos lot (PCH inland at Los Trancos stoplight then walk through the tunnel or take the shuttle). Day-use fee: $5/per hour (max. $15).

About Tidepool Etiquette: Crystal Cove State Park is a Marine Protected Area. Taking or possessing tidepool sea life is illegal. To help preserve the longevity of the tidepools: never remove animals, shells or rocks; never pick up animals, observe them where they are; walk gently, taking care not to step on plants.

As if they’ve just emerged from an enchanted forest, the neon-colored fairyland creatures take the stage, and the audience, mesmerized, falls under their spell. But these elf-like beings aren’t creatures, they’re kids from 5 -16 years of age, who perform as cirque artists, acrobats, karate masters, musicians, singers, and dancers. This is Le PeTiT CiRqUe, and if one is lucky enough to see their show, prepare to be wowed.

Laguna Beach was fortunate to see two performances at the Festival of the Arts last Sunday, a rare treat given the troupe’s international popularity.

Le PeTiT CirRqUe started with a vision that Nathalie Gaulthier, the founder and creator of LPC, had as a seven-year-old girl. “I grew up in Iqualuit, Nunavut, right below Greenland, with Inuits, Eskimos. I was a minority. I grew up with igloos around me and knew there was a bigger world out there. I wrote my first play at age seven, directed it, and it was presented at my school in half English and half Inuit.

“When I saw how the audience felt and was moved, I knew in my soul I needed to create live shows that would touch people,” Gaulthier added.

But, it’s one thing to have a dream, it’s another to bring it to fruition.

“I launched my full company at age 14 in Montreal, Canada and it grew! We added the circus in 2007 and Le PeTiT CiRqUe was born in 2012.”

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Photo by Jeffrey Rovner

LPC performers mingle with the crowd on Family Day at the Festival of Arts

Le PeTiT CiRqUe has now grown into the only all-kid humanitarian professional cirque company in the world. The company has performed all over the US, Canada and Dubai, and for world leaders including the Dalai Lama, and the Sultan of Brunei.

LPC has raised an incredible five million dollars since its launch five years ago.

Although the show is magic, it’s not magically conjured up, and ultimately appears on stage only after a tremendous amount of hard work, perseverance, and creativity by everyone concerned. All the elements, the performers, costumes, music, choreography, and staging, come together to generate the mystique.

To achieve the stunning movements and dancing, each act is choreographed by the team of coaches and the kids, then policed by Nathalie, and she choreographs and directs the stage productions.

“Luckily,” she says, “we have teamed up with Cirque du Soleil’s choreographer of 34 years, the renowned Debra Lynne Brown, and are launching an innovative young adults company, called MERVEILLE, and this will feature 19-30 year olds, many of whom will be our grown up LPC kids.”

Nathalie designs the brilliant costumes, then has them sewn by local ladies who need extra income.

While viewing the amazing acrobatic feats, many of which rely on precise teamwork, one can only wonder what happens if a performer is injured, but Nathalie says, “Every act has understudies, because often we have 2-3 shows on the same day. Hence, we have had to also purchase 2-3 copies of each apparatus.”

During these acrobatics, as well as the acts on stage, the show is laced with haunting (and sometimes dramatic) music that heightens the otherworldly mood. All their music is original and created for LPC by the Cirque du Soleil violinist Martin St. Pierre in Las Vegas and Christine Aguilera’s songwriter, Heather Holley.

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Photo by Tom Lamb

Acrobats wow crowd at Festival of Arts

Since the acts are so specific, where do they find new performers when they need to renew the company once kids age out? Nathalie replies, “By audition and referrals from other circus programs only, and mostly, parents come to us with a gifted child. They must meet a physical conditioning test and a set criteria of skills to make LPC. Extremely gifted ones make it into LPC. If they are close, they are placed on the B Team to train. Some only remain in B team and never move into LPC, but we train them on stilts and globe walking so they may do some events as ambiance only.”

If a child succeeds, “A performer enters an extensive training program; 10-12 hrs a week in ensemble-group training in choreography, theatre, character work, but most importantly, doing intensive physical conditioning in strength and flexibility. Then an additional 2-5 hrs a week is spent in private one on one sessions to choreograph and develop their act.”

But what happens when a child ages out, do some go on to Circus de Soleil or other professional companies? “Yes,” Nathalie explains, “we have placed over 15 artists in Cirque du Soleil, 7 Fingers Cirque Eloize and numerous others across Europe. Even AGT’S Sofie Dossi was with us before her AGT fame. Aging out can happen one of two ways: you are over 18 years of age or, you are over 5’5”!”

It’s obvious that seven-year-old Nathalie’s dreams have come true.

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Photo by Tom Lamb

Performers show feats of balance and strength

Even with all the acclaim, Nathalie still has dreams for the future. “My vision is mainly to keep finding gifted youths around the globe in circus, dance, music, martial arts, and so on, and keep presenting productions and entertainment that creates a sense of wonderment and touches people. There is still so much beauty in the world, and in children, this beauty is pure. I like to capture that and present it with a whole package of exquisite costuming, original music and songs, unique circus equipment and prodigy youths. My dream? Find an investor! It’s hard to do this all by myself, I have never had any help financially.”

LPC is also a 16-time winner at the National Youth Awards for Most Outstanding Production, Best Director, Best Original New Show, Best Costume Design. They are also stars of NBC’s “Little Big Shots”, and Gap Kids representatives with Ellen Degeneres.

Everyone who has had the privilege of seeing one of LPC’s shows thanks Nathalie and her company of incredible performers for taking us into a world of pure imagination, the pure imagination of a seven-year-old’s dream.

How the circus came to town

Yes - Le PeTiT CiRqUe dazzled the Family Day crowds at Festival of the Arts last Sunday. And as I mentioned it’s not easy to get tickets to see them. So how did this particular circus come to our town? How did Laguna get so lucky to watch a performance free of charge?

Here’s the connection: Laguna Beach resident Jeff Rovner, whose fine art photographs of Le PeTiT CiRqUe performers qualified him as a first-time exhibitor in FOA just happens to be the father of Haley Rovner, the hula hoop wizard of the CiRqUe. Jeff suggested to the FOA that Le PeTiT CiRqUe would be a great attraction for Family Day.

And he was right.

Before the show, the FOA attendees were fortunate to experience one of LPC’s ambiance performances, in which the company members mingle and interact with the crowd.

Once the Technicolor-costumed sprites began the show (they gave two performances), the overflowing crowd simultaneously laughed, clapped, and gasped with awe at the stunning talent of this company.

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Photo by Jeffrey Rovner

Haley Rovner works her hoop magic

From a diminutive pink nymph folded into a plastic box, to the martial arts duo twirling swords, to the acrobats spinning from high above like red-blossomed flower petals, and Haley’s amazing hula hoop performance, Le PeTiT CiRqUe took the audience to a different realm, a realm of wonderment I would happily visit again and again.

At Jeff Rovner’s booth, where the performing arts and visual art came together as the troupe gazed admiringly at his photos, and where friends and family gathered to cheer on father and daughter, Jeff said, “Sunday is a day I will long remember.”

And so will we. Thank you, Jeff and Haley, for the connection that allowed the cirque to come to town.

On May 18, Laguna Playhouse will honor an artistic icon, Hershey Felder, for his commitment to Laguna Playhouse, bringing original content and performing to sold-out audiences for a decade, and for his work to keep regional theatres, such as Laguna Playhouse, alive and vibrant across the world.

This year’s gala, co-chaired by Trustees Lisa Hale and Glenn E. Gray, will begin with a VIP reception where Hershey Felder and special guests will perform in front of an exclusive intimate audience.

Hershey Felder is an accomplished pianist, performer, playwright, producer, and director. He has staged over 4,700 performances of his unique solo productions at some of the world’s most prestigious theatres.

Felder has portrayed many world-renowned composers such as George Gershwin, Fryderyk Chopin, Ludwig Van Beethoven, Leonard Bernstein, Irving Berlin, and Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, bringing both their music and their stories to life.

Hershey is also the writer and director for the internationally performed play-with-music The Pianist of Willesden Lane, based on the book The Children of Willesden Lane; the producer and designer of Louis and Keely: ‘Live’ at the Sahara, directed by Taylor Hackford; and writer and director for Nathan Gunn Flying Solo.

“Hershey Felder is a unique talent that transcends traditional theatrical boundaries putting the roles of artist, writer/composer, and director into that of one. He is no less an internationally acclaimed World Treasure, and we are proud to be able to honor him on this special evening,” said Ellen Richard, Laguna Playhouse Executive Director.

The evening’s program will also feature a performance by Hershey Felder and a heartfelt tribute to him. The gala will conclude with live music and dancing. Nearly 400 are expected in attendance at the gala. Last year, the Orange County Business Journal named the gala in the top five net fundraising galas in Orange County.

Laguna Playhouse will also conclude its renovation of the historic Moulton Theatre in May celebrating 50 years since it was built, and will celebrate its Centennial Season in 2020-2021.

Laguna Playhouse is located at 606 Laguna Canyon Rd.

Local classical guitarist and composer Eric Henderson performs at NCC on March 30

Laguna Beach resident Eric Henderson, classical guitarist and composer, appears in Bridge Hall at the Neighborhood Congregational Church (NCC) on Saturday, March 30 at 7:30 p.m. His program will feature his signature mix of classical repertoire for guitar, classic rock covers, and original compositions.

This is a familiar venue for Henderson. He has been performing at NCC since 1971. His wife Virginia Mann says, “His first public concert was there, and he has probably done at least ten in total. Laguna has watched him grow into the artist he is.”

Trained by the master of the classical guitar Andres Segovia, Henderson is a guitar virtuoso and composer who covers a vast repertoire with technical mastery and passionate delivery. He has performed internationally.

In 1971 at the age of 13, he was one of the only three people to receive the honor of being invited to study privately with Segovia.

Henderson says of the upcoming concert, “I want to transport people back in time to when they first heard something that has stayed in their hearts for their whole life. I don’t want to ruin the surprise, but, along with my standard repertoire, I’ll be performing some new selections, namely arrangements of songs that inspired me to pick up the guitar and start playing in the first place.”

While in Spain, he also had the privilege of studying with the composer Federico Moreno Torroba, perfecting the interpretation of Torroba’s “Sonatina in A” and “Madronos”.

After eleven European and nine U.S. tours over the next 10 years, Henderson returned to his hometown of Laguna Beach where he began composing his own pieces and becoming one of the world’s most acclaimed educators of the classical guitar.

Over the last 20 years, he has performed 20 tours across Europe and the United States. He has played in the famous Concert Gebouw in Amsterdam, Wigmore Hall in London, and Ateneo in Madrid, as well as many other halls in the United States, Germany, Spain, France, the Soviet Union, Australia, and Japan.

His composition “Faces” was featured in the movie Surfers and later became the title track for the album produced by JVC Music. Henderson has released nine albums, including Castilian Nights, Faces, Cathedral Heights, All My Soul, Encore, Guitarra, In the Spanish Tradition and Notes.

Henderson has always been an innovator. While he has deep respect for tradition, he understands that the best way to show that respect is to progress the art form, sometimes into unconventional areas. He has relentlessly experimented with new directions for his instrument to express new colors. His 2015 album Turned Up is the first of its kind, electric guitar performances of classical and original works. In concert he often plays his arrangements of rock classics, such as “Paint it Black” by the Rolling Stones or “Little Wing” by Jimi Hendrix.

Henderson sees no difference between genres, but filters all genres through his own consciousness and dedication to the artform. He says, “To serve the music with all my integrity and artistry is my sincerest aspiration.”

Council on Aging and Laguna Beach Seniors introduce the Benefits Enrollment Center at The Susi Q to assist seniors and persons with disabilities find and apply for benefit programs.

Call to register: 949-464-6645

Social Services Support

Feeling the Blues Counseling

One-on-one sessions for men and women.Schedule an appointment with a mental health professional. 10 free sessions. Call for more information (949) 715-8104

More Susi Q events below

More events, programs at the Susi Q

Events require advance registration by calling(949) 464-6645

Parking is Free!

Laguna Beach Seniors is on Facebook! Sign up to receive our newsletter: www.susiq.org

Living Well with Chronic Illness Support Group

2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th Tue | 10-11:30am | Free

A caring support group open to individuals over 50 touched by any chronic/serious health related issues. For more information, reach out to facilitator Sandra Weiss at 949-715-8104.

Laguna Beach Seniors Men’s Group

Fridays | 11am-12:30pm | Free

For men 50+, get support from the general stress of everyday living and any other issues affecting your well-being. Open group, drop-ins welcome. Contact facilitator Clint Christie, M.A. at 949-715-8104 for details.

Care Management

Mon – Fri | 9am-5pm

Free

Providing linkage to resources that promote safety and quality of life. Call for appt.

Exercise a la Susi Q: Mind | Body | Balance

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays

9-10am | $4 per class

The overall benefits will affect every aspect of your health and the quality of your daily life. Exercises can be performed while standing or while sitting in a chair. No floor or mat exercises are performed. Instructor: Wayne Lawrence

Take the bus to the Susi Q

The city’s blue buses now stop right in front of the Susi Q Monday – Saturday all day.

Schedules will be posted at all bus stops, so getting here is easier than ever. You won’t have to deal with traffic or parking!

Interpreting Current Events

Friday | 9:30-11:30am

Join this discussion of newsworthy events, and topics of special interest.

Bingo

Mon & Thu | 10:30-11:30am | Free

Join us for Bingo every Monday and Thursday from 10:30-11:30am. Try your luck to win prizes and gift cards. National Charity League sponsors “Birthday Celebration Bingo” on the 3rd Wednesday of every month, from 10:30-11:30am.

Monday Movie and Popcorn

Free every Monday from 12:30-3pm. See movie schedule at www.susiq.org.

Providing assistance and objective information to help seniors and disabled persons make informed decisions about health care coverage, Medicare benefits and supplemental insurance plan options. Sponsored by the Council on Aging. Call 949-464-6645 for an appointment.

More Susi Q events below

Laguna Playhouse to present Heisenberg, opening March 31

Laguna Playhouse is excited to present a co-production with the Rubicon Theatre Company, the critically acclaimed (LA Times Critics’ Choice) production of Heisenberg, debuting onSunday, March 31 at 5:30 p.m., and running through Sunday, April 14.

Written by Simon Stephens, directed by Katherine Farmer, and starring Faline England (Valentine’s Day) and Joe Spano (Hill Street Blues and NCIS), this is going to be a production you won’t want to miss.

Artistic Director Ann E. Wareham and Executive Director Ellen Richard comment, “What a special opportunity to co-produce this critically acclaimed production with the Rubicon Theatre Company. Simon Stephens has written a funny, tender and quirky love story that celebrates human relationships in all their complexity. Faline England and Joe Spano are giving masterful performances under the brilliant direction of the gifted Katharine Farmer. Our subscribers and audiences are sure to fall in love with this wonderful and extraordinary play.”

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Submitted photo

“Heisenberg” debuts on March 31 at the Laguna Playhouse

In a bustling London train station, free-spirited American Georgie unexpectedly plants a kiss on the neck of mid-70s British butcher Alex. When she turns up in his shop a few days later, she sets the suspicious man’s world reeling. As Alex is drawn into Georgie’s anarchic world, his conventional life becomes chaotic, uncertain, and undeniably richer. Peeling away the many layers of everyday relationships with subtle humor and quiet poeticism, Heisenberg brings to poignant theatrical life the uncertain and often comical sparring match that is human connection.

Playwright Simon Stephens’ plays have been produced in many languages throughout the world. Stephens won the Tony Award for his adaptation of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, which premiered at the National Theatre in London in 2012 under the direction of Marianne Elliott.

Director Katharine Farmer is a London-based artist who has been Rubicon’s Director of International Programming for the past three years. At the Rubicon, she recently directed an intimate version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific.

Performances will be Wednesdays through Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 1 p.m. There will be added performances on Thursday, March 28 at 2 p.m.; Tuesday, April 2 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, April 7 at 5:30 p.m. and Thursday, April 11 at 2 p.m.

Tickets range from $56 - $86 and can be purchased online at www.lagunaplayhouse.com or by calling (949) 497-ARTS (2787). Group discounts are available by calling (949) 497-2787 ext. 229.

The Laguna Playhouse is located at 606 Laguna Canyon Dr.

More events, programs at the Susi Q

Events require advance registration by calling(949) 464-6645

Parking is Free!

Laguna Beach Seniors is on Facebook! Sign up to receive our newsletter: www.susiq.org

Free Legal Clinic

Seaside Legal Services

Providing professional legal assistance to seniors age 55+ who cannot afford counsel. Attorney Jane Fulton will provide help and/or referrals for family law; health-related issues; consumer problems; conservatorships; housing; elder abuse; bankruptcy; wills and power of attorney. Must be an OC resident with proof of residency. Call first to make an appointment, 949-715-8104. No walk-ins.

Contemporary Short Story Seminar

2nd & 4th Tuesdays | 2 – 4 pm

Members will take turns leading discussions of selected stories. Contact Alison King, Ph. D. for more information: (714) 608-1322 or email her at: aking@csusm.edu

Free Estate Planning Legal Advice

3rd Thu | 12-2pm | Free

Local Attorney Leslie Daff is available to answer questions pertaining to estate planning, probate, and trust administration and to prepare and notarize financial powers of attorney, advanced health care directives, and HIPAA authorizations at no charge.

We have Bridge for all levels!

Call to find out about classes!

*NEW* Drop-in Rubber Bridge

We’re welcoming experienced players for weekly rubber bridge play — Tuesdays from 11:00am - 2:00 pm. No partner required, we will match you up. Reach out to facilitator Kathy Olivier at kathyolivier@gmail.com for more details.

Tabletop Treasures

Every other Monday | 9am-Noon (check the front desk for schedule)

Fabulous recycled and second time around treasures for sale at bargain prices. Small donated items are always appreciated for drop off from 9am-3pm. No clothing please. Proceeds benefit weekly Bingo and fund the Laguna Beach High School Scholarship from LBS.

The Susi Q Community Needle Arts Guild meets on the last Friday of every month at 1pm creating handmade items for local organizations.

Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Support Group

1st Wed | 1-3pm

Join us the first Wednesday of every month from 1-3 p.m. for an informational meeting and informal discussion. Strategies will be shared for dealing with loved ones who are affected by the disease.

Table Tennis every week

Mon & Wed | 12:30-2:30pm

Fridays | 12:30-2:30pm Saturday times vary

There is a $25 annual fee.

Bring your own paddle or borrow one of ours. All we ask is that you wear non-skidding shoes.

All levels of play are welcome!

Laguna Beach Beautification Council announces upcoming lecture on March 28 at Montage

On Thursday, March 28, the Laguna Beach Beautification Council will hold a lecture on TheIncredible Native Plants of Laguna Beach. The free meeting will be held at Montage Laguna Beach with free valet parking available.

The Incredible Native Plants of Laguna Beach; a Botanical Tour will be presented by Ron Vanderhoff, local botanist and native plant expert, in a beautifully illustrated program combined with expert narration as he discusses a few of the incredible native plants that grow in and around Laguna Beach.

Submitted photo

Native plants of Laguna Beach will be discussed at upcoming meeting

The flora of the Laguna Beach area has fascinated nature lovers and scientists for centuries. We are a very special place, with two endemic species, several regional rarities, and many beautiful wildflowers, trees, and shrubs.

The hills, cliffs, valleys, streams, and other wild areas of Laguna Beach provide much of the character for this great community. Learn the names of a few of these incredible plants, where they grow, and why these plants need your conservation and protection.

There is limited seating and reservations are recommended.

To RSVP, call Leah Vasquez at (949) 494-5787.

Montage Laguna Beach is located at 30801 South Coast Hwy. The lecture will be held in room 227, and free valet parking is available.